Equity in action: Experiencing EAAMO ‘24 in Mexico
We share a great article by our Director of Communication Rhea Tibrewala.
Equity in action: Experiencing EAAMO ‘24 in Mexico | ReVista
The Equity and Access in Algorithms, Mechanisms, and Optimization (EAAMO) conference marked a historic milestone by hosting its 2024 edition in San Luis Potosí, Mexico—the first time the event was held outside the United States. This strategic move aimed to bridge the gap between global research communities and local practitioners, fostering deeper collaboration and co-creation with regional partners.
Significant initiatives included the REDNACECYT 2024 Summer of Science Program, which empowered 34 female students from Indigenous communities in Mexico and the Amazon region of Peru to engage in research projects addressing local challenges. Their work culminated in impactful poster presentations at the conference.
The event also featured EAAMO's inaugural Social Hackathon, where participants developed innovative solutions for breast cancer detection and care, addressing one of Mexico's critical healthcare issues. The winning team, Sana, designed a digital public health tool to assess personalized breast cancer risk and raise awareness about environmental factors, aiming to reduce disparities and improve early detection.
Collaborations with local institutions, such as the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí (UASLP) and the Municipal Government of San Luis Potosí, were instrumental in aligning research efforts with community needs. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between EAAMO and the municipal government formalized a long-term partnership to benefit the city's residents.
Cultural immersion activities, including traditional street parades and local artisan showcases, enriched the conference experience, allowing attendees to engage authentically with the city's heritage. This holistic approach set a new standard for academic conferences, emphasizing the importance of integrating cultural context into research endeavors.
EAAMO 2024 exemplified a progressive model for global collaboration, ensuring that research is not only presented but also deeply connected to the communities it aims to serve.